Total favorite count: 0
Summary in 1 sentence
American Beauty is a drama about a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend while struggling with a mid-life crisis and his dysfunctional family's problems.
Summary in a Twitter post
A disillusioned suburban dad, Lester Burnham, undergoes a mid-life awakening, rebelling against societal norms, lusting after his daughter's friend, and exposing the hypocrisy of the American Dream. Dark, satirical, and tragic. #AmericanBeauty #SamMendes
Summary in an SMS/text message
Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man, undergoes a mid-life crisis, becomes infatuated with his daughter's friend, quits his job, and starts working out. His wife has an affair, his daughter falls for the boy next door. In the end, Lester is murdered. A dark satire on American suburban life.
Summary in a Facebook post
Just watched "American Beauty" - a captivating exploration of suburban life! Kevin Spacey delivers a stellar performance as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man going through a mid-life crisis, rebelling against his job and his wife. Meanwhile, his wife and daughter are dealing with their own issues. A dark yet humorous portrayal of the pursuit of happiness in modern America. A must-watch! #AmericanBeauty #MovieNight
Summary in a 1 minute read
American Beauty is a 1999 drama film directed by Sam Mendes. The story follows Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man who becomes disillusioned with his seemingly perfect life and begins to question his purpose and happiness. As he starts to rebel against societal norms and expectations, he becomes infatuated with his daughter's friend, Angela, and begins to make drastic changes in his life. Meanwhile, his wife, Carolyn, is having an affair and their daughter, Jane, is struggling with her own identity. The film explores themes of beauty, desire, and the facade of the American Dream. As the characters' lives intersect and unravel, the film culminates in a shocking and tragic ending. Through stunning visuals and powerful performances, American Beauty delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for true happiness in a superficial world.
Summary in 1 page
- Lester Burnham is a middle-aged man who is unhappy with his life. He is stuck in a loveless marriage with his wife Carolyn and has a strained relationship with his teenage daughter Jane.
- Carolyn Burnham is Lester’s wife, a successful real estate agent who is obsessed with maintaining a perfect image and is constantly at odds with Lester.
- Jane Burnham is Lester and Carolyn’s daughter, a typical rebellious teenager who is struggling with her own insecurities and self-image.
- Ricky Fitts is the new neighbor who moves in next door to the Burnhams. He is a quiet and mysterious teenager who becomes infatuated with Jane.
- Angela Hayes is Jane’s best friend and a popular cheerleader who is constantly seeking attention and validation from boys.
- Colonel Frank Fitts is Ricky’s strict and controlling father who is a former Marine and has a strained relationship with his son.
The movie opens with Lester narrating his own death, revealing that he will be killed in a year. He then takes the audience back to the events leading up to his death. Lester is unhappy with his life and feels emasculated by his wife and daughter. He quits his job and starts working at a fast food restaurant, much to Carolyn’s disapproval.
Meanwhile, Jane becomes friends with Ricky, who introduces her to his hobby of filming everything he sees. They develop a romantic relationship, much to the dismay of Angela, who is also interested in Ricky. Lester also becomes infatuated with Angela, and his fantasies about her become a recurring theme throughout the movie.
As Lester starts to change his outlook on life and becomes more confident, Carolyn starts to have an affair with her business rival, Buddy Kane. She also becomes increasingly frustrated with Lester’s new attitude and starts to resent him.
At the same time, Colonel Fitts becomes suspicious of his son’s relationship with Lester and Jane. He confronts Lester and accuses him of being a homosexual, which Lester denies. However, Colonel Fitts later catches Ricky and Lester smoking marijuana together and beats Ricky in a fit of rage.
As the tension between the characters escalates, Lester’s infatuation with Angela grows, and he finally acts on it at a high school basketball game. However, Angela reveals that she is a virgin, and Lester realizes that he has been chasing an illusion. He also has a moment of clarity and realizes that his true desire is to be with his family.
On the night of the annual neighborhood party, Lester and Carolyn have a heated argument, and Lester finally stands up to her and tells her that he is no longer afraid of her. Carolyn storms off, and Lester goes to the bathroom, where he is shot and killed by Colonel Fitts, who mistakenly believes that Lester is having an affair with Ricky.
The movie ends with Lester’s death, and the audience is left to reflect on the themes of beauty, happiness, and the American Dream. The characters are all forced to confront their own desires and insecurities, and the consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, American Beauty is a thought-provoking and darkly comedic exploration of the American suburban life and the pursuit of happiness. Through the characters of Lester, Carolyn, Jane, Ricky, and Colonel Fitts, the movie delves into themes of beauty, desire, and the facade of the American Dream. With its stunning visuals and powerful performances, American Beauty is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impact on its audience.
FAQ
- What is the movie American Beauty about?
The movie follows the story of a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter’s friend. - Who directed American Beauty?
The movie was directed by Sam Mendes. - When was American Beauty released?
The movie was released in 1999. - Who starred in American Beauty?
The movie starred Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, and Thora Birch. - What genre is American Beauty?
The movie is a drama. - Is American Beauty based on a true story?
No, the movie is not based on a true story. - What is the significance of the title American Beauty?
The title refers to the idea of finding beauty in unexpected places. - What awards did American Beauty win?
The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. - What is the rating for American Beauty?
The movie is rated R for strong sexuality, language, violence, and drug content. - What is the running time of American Beauty?
The movie has a running time of 122 minutes. - Where was American Beauty filmed?
The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California. - What is the budget for American Beauty?
The movie had a budget of $15 million. - What is the box office gross for American Beauty?
The movie grossed over $356 million worldwide. - What is the soundtrack for American Beauty?
The soundtrack features music by Thomas Newman and songs by various artists. - What is the significance of the rose petals in American Beauty?
The rose petals symbolize the beauty and fragility of life. - What is the relationship between Lester and Angela in American Beauty?
Lester becomes infatuated with Angela, his daughter’s friend, but their relationship remains platonic. - What is the role of Ricky in American Beauty?
Ricky is a teenage neighbor who films everything and becomes a catalyst for change in Lester’s life. - What is the theme of American Beauty?
The movie explores themes of beauty, identity, and the American Dream. - What is the significance of the plastic bag scene in American Beauty?
The scene represents the beauty and meaning that can be found in the mundane and ordinary. - What is the ending of American Beauty?
The movie ends with Lester’s death and a reflection on the beauty and complexity of life. - What is the critical reception of American Beauty?
The movie received widespread critical acclaim and is considered a modern classic. - What is the cultural impact of American Beauty?
The movie sparked discussions about suburban life, beauty standards, and the pursuit of happiness. - Is American Beauty available to stream?
Yes, the movie is available to stream on various platforms such as Amazon Prime and Hulu. - Is there a sequel to American Beauty?
No, there is no sequel to American Beauty. - What is the age rating for American Beauty?
The movie is rated R for mature audiences. - What is the significance of the color red in American Beauty?
The color red is used to symbolize passion, desire, and danger throughout the movie.
Rate this Movie!